The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recently announced the U.S. colleges and universities that produced the most 2015-2016 Fulbright U.S. Students. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Top-producing institutions are highlighted annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Three students from New Jersey City University (NJCU) won Fulbright awards for 2015-2016. NJCU was one of just two institutions of higher learning in New Jersey to be recognized as top producer of U.S. Fulbright students for 2015-2016.
NJCU’s Fulbright U.S. Students are Jacqueline DaSilva of Kearny, Claudia Severino of Jersey City, and Bridget O’Neill of Red Bank, all of whom taught English abroad in 2015-2016.
DaSilva, a senior majoring in English with dual certification in elementary education and special education, is teaching in Brazil, where she is also conducting English language workshops for special needs students.
Severino ’11, an NJCU graduate student in multicultural education, is teaching undergraduates in Colombia, where she is working with an organization, Sisma Mujer, to raise awareness about violence against women. A language arts teacher in Paterson Public Schools, Ms. Severino holds a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education.
O’Neill ’14 is teaching in Malaysia, where she is also partnering Malay and American students as virtual pen pals and promoting female leadership skills through physical fitness. A 12th-grade English teacher in Lacey Township High School, Ms. O’Neill majored in English and minored in secondary education.
The Fulbright competition is administered at NJCU by Dr. Irma Maini, an NJCU professor of English and Fulbright Program Adviser.
“It is truly an honor for NJCU to be recognized as a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students,” NJCU President Sue Henderson said.
She continued, “We are delighted to recognize our students’ fine work and to commend Dr. Maini for her diligence and devotion to NJCU students and to this select international exchange program which fosters communication and problem-solving so well on a global scale.“
NJCU itself is a global experience with more than 60 ethnicities represented and more than 30 languages spoken on campus. Washington Monthly recently ranked NJCU “Best Public School in New Jersey for Ethnic Diversity.” The global experience provided by Fulbright study makes the learning experience even richer.
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